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Starfish Malawi - October 2014

The Kilimanjaro Challenge

On 3 October 2014 for 9 nights, a team of like-minded people is setting out for the summit of Kilimanjaro - and you can join us.

The Challenge

At 5,895m, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest walkable mountain in the world and therefore requires no technical experience or equipment. Reaching the roof of Africa is however a considerable and, at times, gruelling challenge. The midnight ascent to the summit is the toughest test both physically and mentally but the effect of being at altitude will also play its part throughout. A good level of physical fitness and a strong will is therefore required, and advance training and preparation is advised to help you achieve your goal and enjoy the experience of doing so.

The 10 day adventure begins on 3 October 2014 when the team will depart from London Heathrow Airport on an overnight and connecting flight to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to an idyllic lodge in Arusha for a day of rest and relaxation, prior to an evening briefing for the trek ahead.

Mount Kilimanjaro

The following morning the team will set out on the start of the journey to 5,895m via the 6-day Rongai Route. Beginning in the north of Kilimanjaro National Park in a small village called Nale Moru, the trail heads west towards Uhuru Peak. The 6 days that follow require between 4-7 hours daily trekking, until you arrive at Kibo Huts Camp situated at 4,700m - the route's base camp. The gruelling midnight ascent to the summit follows, rewarded by sunrise over Africa as you reach the crater rim - offering views and a sense of achievement that are unparalleled and which will last with you forever. A short stay at the summit is followed by a descent to the trek's final Horombo Camp situated at 3,720m - the loss in altitude as you descend more than making up for the sense of exhaustion along the way. The final morning will be your opportunity to thank and say farewell to your support team, prior to making the final descent to the end of the trek at Marangu Park Gate.

Additional Information

The Kilimanjaro Challenge is a trek and not a climb - no technical equipment or clothing is therefore required. However, it is important that you have the right kit with you and a suggested kit-list is available here. The download also offers you additional information about suggested training - most notably walking; high altitude illness; vaccines and medication; travel insurance; and visa requirements. Any further questions can be asked at any time by clicking on enquire and submitting your query.

The full challenge itinerary is available here.

 

Express Your Interest Watch A Video

Frequently-Asked-Questions Book Your Place


Express Your Interest Watch A Video

Frequently-Asked-Questions Book Your Place

Trip Costs

The total cost of the trip is £2,295. This includes international flights from and to London Heathrow, transfers and travel, accommodation, meals, Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, and fully supported expedition costs. It does not include transport to and from London Heathrow, personal clothing and equipment, visa processing fees, travel insurance, vaccines and medication, or personal expenses – including drinks.

To confirm your place on the Challenge Team, please select ‘Book Your Place’ above and complete the booking form. Upon submitting the completed form, you will be given instructions for paying the non-refundable trip deposit of £500 by bank transfer or cheque. The remaining trip cost balance is due no later than two months in advance of departure - but can be made in installments if you'd prefer.

For those interested in extending their stay and experiencing more of Tanzania at the conclusion of the expedition, a guided three-day safari or extension to Zanzibar can be organised on your behalf. This is entirely optional and a decision about this can be made at a later date.

Fundraising

In addition to the self-funded trip costs, each member of the team is asked to raise funds for Starfish Malawi and a maximum of four other charities of the individual’s choice, such charities will need to be registered with Virgin Money Giving. 

25% of the money raised will go to Starfish as the organising charity with the remaining 75% going to the other nominated charities in whatever percentages the participant chooses. Individual fundraising pages can be set up with a link to a communal team page where all the trip details can be found.

However, this opportunity is inspired by Starfish Malawi and we encourage team members to raise both profile and funds for the charity in return for your membership of this adventure. Starfish Malawi is a Christian organisation seeking to make a difference in both UK and Malawi schools  through a cross-curriculum linking programme promoting improved global and cross-cultural understanding, education, vocational training and AIDS awareness. To find out more about Starfish Malawi and how to fundraise, please click here.

 

To download the full Terms & Conditions click here.

To book your place click here.


The Challenge Team

Find out more about the challengers or make a donation by clicking on a picture below:

Challenger Profile

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Date of Trip: October 2014

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Starfish Malawi



Starfish Malawi

 

Origins

Starfish Malawi began life as a small Christian charitable body following a visit to Malawi by its founder, Chris Knott, in 2003.  A letter was sent out of the blue to Chris asking if he would build a church in Malawi.

As a result of this initial trip, the goal became to "build the church within the school" as the Christians were meeting in a dilapidated school. 

During 2004/6 a school, Kaputu School, was rebuilt for 1,600 children in Salima, which has become the District’s best school for academic excellence (having previously been one of the worst).

What started as an invitation to build a church became a much bigger project. Following this, the scope and direction of the work has broadened to also include other education projects, the schools linking programme, projects on health education and sanitation, HIV and AIDS awareness, orphan care and vocational training. "Building a Church in a School" has now become "building the Kingdom of God in the lives of children".


Starfish Malawi is well known in South East England in schools and churches by linking and reaching out to numerous children in 50 schools and Christians in ministry.

Vision

The vision of Starfish Malawi is the transformation of lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the establishment of caring communities where resources are used for the benefit of all.

Mission

Expressing our vision to follow the example of Jesus Christ in his compassion for the poor, vulnerable and marginalized by alleviating poverty through education, vocational training and sustainable resources.

Objectives

Our main objectives are: 

  • Providing access to quality education for children in Malawi so that they can lift themselves and their communities out of poverty.

  • Promoting a positive communication and interaction between people of different cultures and backgrounds thereby raising awareness of similarities, differences and sharing aspirations as global citizens with a godly outlook.

  • Providing support to communities to increase awareness of the HIV and AIDS pandemic thereby developing resilience for living sustainable lives.

  • Empowering the vulnerable and the poor to harness their potential to switch from relying on hand outs to self sufficiency in the face of God’s provision.

  • To engage everyone in the challenges to rich and poor alike.

  • To give all people the opportunity to know Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

  • To understand Jesus' words that it is more blessed to give than receive. 

Values

We are committed to:

  • Involving the community – Local ownership and participation are key to sustainable and accountable   outcomes. We seek to work with and develop available resources and gifting in the community which promote fruitful and sustainable life. Community includes women and children who are often excluded from dialogue.

  • Restoring true identity – We believe in the restoration of man’s true vocation as faithful and productive stewards of gifts from God for the well-being of all. “Poverty is the world telling the poor they are God-forsaken.” We stand for the right of men and women to work for the dignity and joy of supporting their families and helping others.

  • Being a Christian witness – Loving God and loving your neighbour are like each other. We seek to recognise God’s footprints in restoring relationships and transforming lives. Salvation is from the Lord.

  • Caring for the poor and orphans – we recognise we are all made in God’s image, all equal and valued by God. The way we treat the weakest in our world is a true estimate of worth. We are committed to serving them by empowering them to meet their basic needs, overcome injustice and fulfil their God given potential.

Your questions answered...

Got a question? We hope you will find the answer in the information below. However, if you have any further queries, please complete the online enquiry form and we will answer your question as soon as possible.

Click a question below to expand the answer.


Who can apply to go?

Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to take on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support those in need at the same time as trekking through and up a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interested participants over the age of 65 will need to provide a medical form or consent letter signed by a doctor. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult and parental consent provided.

What about altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is frequently experienced by those travelling to altitudes typically above 2,500m. Almost everyone will experience some form of altitude sickness but the vast majority will only experience the mild and commonly occurring symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia or dizziness.

Our practical experience shows that these milder symptoms can be managed and overcome through three key steps to achieving successful acclimatisation: drink plenty and eat well, walk slowly, and walk high / sleep low. Your guide team are trained to help you achieve just this and to enjoy the amazing experiences being offered.

What kit or equipment will I need?

It's important to remember that this is a trek and not a climb and, as a result, no technical equipment or expertise is needed. The most important item you’ll need is a good quality, comfortable, and worn-in pair of walking boots. Beyond that, the clothing you’ll need includes items that most people will likely already have: a down or multi-layered jacket, thermal underwear, shorts/trousers, t-shirts, a fleece, waterproofs, gloves, a sun-hat and beanie. You’ll also need a backpack to carry each day, and a larger bag for the rest of your belongings – which will be carried for you; a sleeping bag; a head-torch and water storage. Every team member will receive a full information pack upon signing up which includes more information on suggested kit for the challenge.

What is included in the total trip cost?

Trip costs include international flights, in-country travel, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout, expedition costs and permit fees. It does not include, your mandatory insurance cover, transport to and from the airport of origin, visas, vaccinations, tips or other expenses of a personal nature - including drinks.

You will be provided with further information outlining all of the equipment you will need for the challenge. Most notably, this includes a comfortable and worn-in pair of walking boots, appropriate clothing, and a sleeping bag.

How many places are there? What if I don't know anyone else?

There are a maximum of 29 places available on each trip and a first-come, first-served policy will determine how spaces are filled. The majority of participants won’t initially know each other but this is an amazing team-building experience and by the end you will have made a number of close new friends – all bonded by the fantastic experience that you have shared. Whilst you may want to sign up with a friend or family member, there really is no problem if you sign up alone. The guide ratio for this trip is very high with one guide for every two challenge participants, so helping to ensure your safety throughout the experience. In the unlikely event that the minimum group size required is not met, participants will be notified no later than 12 weeks prior to departure and refunded in full.

If I've been accepted, what information will I receive?

You will receive a comprehensive information pack providing details of the challenge and those for whom fundraising is being undertaken, how to prepare - including training, fundraising and what to take, and the itinerary with additional details about what to expect on the trip. In addition, you will be able to contact a dedicated trip manager to discuss details of the trip and your preparations, and to discuss any outstanding questions or concerns that you might have.

What food and accommodation will be provided, and how much do I have to carry?

On the challenge itself you will stay in huts or tents at each day's designated camp – on a shared basis. Before and after the challenge you will be accommodated in a local hotel – sharing an en-suite room with one other person. You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout.

You will only need to take the clothing and equipment that you need on the trek itself as you will have an opportunity to leave other un-required items securely at the hotel whilst you’re away. During the trek, you will only carry a daypack yourself containing the items that you feel you will need between the day’s camps. Your remaining possessions will be carried by the expert guide team on your behalf.

Terms and Conditions

RightFoot works directly with trusted and highly-reputable local organisers on the ground to ensure a high quality experience throughout. RightFoot is a member of the IMEC Partnership for Responsible Travel. We take this responsibility very seriously & endeavour to ensure that the service provided is always ethical & of the highest standard.

The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all EU rights applying to packages. We, RightFoot Adventures Limited with company registration number 07511407 and with registered address Unit 1, Burnt Oak Business Park, Waldron, East Sussex TN21 0NL will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by law, we have protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that we become insolvent. More information on key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found here.

Your Financial Protection: The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 require that security is provided for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked and for your repatriation in the unlikely event of insolvency. RightFoot provides this security by way of a bond held by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 10556.  Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.

The full Challenge Terms & Conditions can be found here.

Who is organising the trip?

RightFoot works directly with trusted and highly-reputable local organisers on the ground to ensure a high quality experience throughout. RightFoot is a member of the IMEC Partnership for Responsible Travel. We take this responsibility very seriously & endeavour to ensure that the service provided is always ethical & of the highest standard.

The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all EU rights applying to packages. We, RightFoot Adventures Limited with company registration number 07511407 and with registered address Unit 1, Burnt Oak Business Park, Waldron, East Sussex TN21 0NL will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by law, we have protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that we become insolvent. More information on key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found here.

Your Financial Protection: The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 require that security is provided for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked and for your repatriation in the unlikely event of insolvency. RightFoot provides this security by way of a bond held by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 10556.  Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.

The full Challenge Terms & Conditions can be found here.